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Accra is the capital and most populous city in Ghana. The city is host to over 1.1 million residents and offers a truly great African experience. From the beaches to the manufacturing center, to the cultural history, Accra has a great mix of cultural experiences and adventurous activities. Local markets are all over Accra and give a great opportunity to practice your negotiation skills and acquire some local African curios. There’s also the variety of great restaurants offering all types of cuisine and bars/clubs to enjoy at night. Definitely worth traveling here so book your cheap student plane ticket and head on over to Africa!

Accra Pictures

Things to do in Accra

Accra offers both cultural and beach type activities to enjoy. Amestown is Accra’s oldest neighborhood and still an active fishing village. It is a must see and offers one of the most memorable sights in the city. Find a local guide and have him take you around the neighborhood so you don’t miss the cliff-top harbor vistas, old stone houses, or hidden alleys. After a visit to Jamestown, a trip to Labadi Beach is also necessary. On a nice weekend here, enjoy drumming, dancing, and pony rides on the beach and several of the small cafes and local markets along this stretch of the beach. Be careful though as it is dangerous at night. Make sure to also drop by Liberation Square in nearby suburb of Osu. Other places to see are the National Museum, Christianborg Castle, WEB DuBois Memorial, and Independence Square, aka “Black Star Square”.

Nightlife in Accra

On Monday nights, its a must to go to Wai-ki-ki and enjoy some great dancing and nightlife after midnight in to the early dawn. Macumba is another place that must be visited as it lives up to its name as the “best” night club in Accra. Check out Boomerang as its a place where you are bound to find some locals listening to some hip-hope and R&B music. Lastly check out Lizzy’s aka “The Container” in Osu. They have street performers after 8pm and always has great music to listen and enjoy.

Dining in Accra

Osu is a trendy suburb of Accra and is known for its variety of food including Chinese, Western, and fast-food restaurants. Frankie’s on Oxford Street is the most popular place for Westerners. The food is okay, but its clean and air conditioned which is always a plus in the warm Accra climate. For some excellent Africa cuisine, Maquis Tante Marie is the place to go. Definitely check out the chicken yassa and bring some bug repellent for the evenings.

Shopping in Accra

The Palace Shopping Mall will give you the most western shopping experience with large department stores selling everything and anything. However, to get a more Ghanaian experience, check out the Wild Gecko which sells a variety of crafts, upscale curios and batik clothing. For the most popular type of shopping, the National Cultural Center near Black Star square is an overwhelming location for curio shopping. Lastly, the recently built Accra Mall off of the Tema Moterway offers a 3 screen cinema to catch a movie and a massive food court with both traditional and western foods.

Accra Travel Tips

• Wear lightweight clothing as the climate is warm year-round.
• Immunization of Typhoid is usually advised for Ghana.
• Indulge in the Ghanaian culture and enjoy the African food and the friendliness of the locals.